Features of the national off-season are a gloomy mood and an epidemic of acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections. Every year at the beginning of November we struggle with two scourges - chronic fatigue syndrome and respiratory diseases (about what is a cold and how to treat it, we already wrote). Not too cheap, but quite effective immunomodulators can cope with viruses, although not for long each time. Doctors say that today it is normal to get sick three times a year, but we disagree!
A healthy body is not afraid of drafts, temperature changes and hormonal changes. But how many truly healthy people are there today? If your usual reaction to the first frost is bed rest and “powders,” there are clear signs of immune failure. However, everything can be fixed! Indeed, 50% of the strength of the immune system is due to heredity, but the remaining 50% we ourselves form it through our lifestyle. We are concerned with issues of immunity only during the period of the disease, not realizing that the very fact of the disease is a consequence of a prolonged weakening of the body. And you need to influence the cause! Three pillars of healthy immunity are physical exercises, rational nutrition and quality rest. Let's dwell on each point separately and understand how to increase immunity without drugs.
Food, and more food
It is a paradox, but with the development of food technologies, humanity (for the most part) eats worse and worse. Food rich in carbohydrates and fats, but poor in essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals, works only for excess weight, without adding health and energy to us. Despite their seemingly energy value, red meat and fast carbohydrates - the basis of the diet of a modern person - turn out to be a snag. For example, without nuts and seafood, we cannot get valuable polyunsaturated acids and amino acids necessary for the proper functioning of organs and systems. Without eating fatty fish, mussels, squid, shrimp and caviar, we deprive ourselves of a huge layer of vital substances. These are Omega-3 fats, iodine, calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, vitamins A, B and E - the very basis of immunity!
Other substances that affect the immune system and are involved in metabolism at all levels of the body are flavonoids. We get them from spices - ginger, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and others; they are found in large quantities in the African herbal drink rooibos, which, by the way, does not contain caffeine, which means you can drink it late in the evening without risking the quality of your sleep. The lion's share of the body's protective properties comes from a healthy intestine, because it ensures the absorption of nutrients and the removal of toxins, which are invariably formed during the digestion process. For normal intestinal function, it is necessary that at least 60% of the diet consist of fruits and vegetables - foods rich in fiber, which improves intestinal motility. Legumes - peas, lentils, beans - also improve intestinal function and should be consumed at least twice a week. In addition, they are the best source of B vitamins, which are responsible for the functioning of the nervous system and energy potential. These vitamins help boost immunity without drugs and play an important role in cell reproduction and growth. Minerals such as iron, copper, magnesium and zinc are also found in liver and chocolate. Vitamin A can be obtained from carrots, grapes and leafy greens, and is present in red and orange fruits and vegetables. We get vitamin C from citrus fruits, as well as cabbage, bell peppers and berries; vitamin E - from oils - olive and flaxseed.
Alas, if at the beginning of autumn we have access to fresh fruits and vegetables from gardens, then by the end of the season we have to be content with those imported and grown on state farms. These products do not have a high content of vitamins, so in the fall the question always arises of whether to take vitamin-mineral complexes. Of course, it is better when trace elements are absorbed naturally, otherwise, complexes containing plant extracts - natural vitamins and flavonoids - should be preferred.
Their presence is always indicated on the packaging. Scientists argue about whether synthetic vitamins are useful and how much they are generally able to be absorbed by the human body. In addition, there is a high probability that they will cause allergies.
Exercise and Prevention
To develop the body's resistance to cold, you need to harden yourself. In Soviet times, it was fashionable to douse yourself with cold water, wipe yourself with snow, walk barefoot in the cold and swim in the hole. Let's leave all these extreme methods to truly healthy people. And as for us, pampered beings, we will begin, first of all, to sleep with an open window, even if at first in a hat. A contrast shower will also help boost your immunity. Walking in the fresh air for at least an hour a day after a while, change to morning jogging. You can also gradually start drinking cold water. The essence of hardening is to train the mucous membrane to quickly respond to temperature changes: for it, this should stop being stressful. The main thing is not to get sick from these preventive procedures, so everything needs to be done gradually. In no case should you go outside immediately after a shower or with a wet head. You should not try to beat out a cold that is just beginning with physical activity using the "wedge with a wedge" technology. Prevention can only be done when you are healthy.
Read on our website " Winter swimming: benefits and harms»
One of the worst enemies of immunity is stress. And without it, the life of a modern city dweller is difficult to imagine. We get the most severe stress from mental shocks. But the body’s resistance to them can also be adjusted. Neurosis and depression are provoked by the abuse of alcohol and tobacco (so be careful that your “100 grams for home, for the family” credo does not turn into a chronic addiction to high-octane liquids). Stress, when it is temporary, does not harm health; on the contrary, it is often a stimulus. But chronic ones, which accumulate over years, break down the immune system, and also increase the risk of diseases of the cardiovascular system, diabetes and oncology. Sports and positive emotions are the best way to deal with stress. Surround yourself with people you love, devote more time to your favorite activities, get a dog, in the end - you will really get sick less often!
Read on our website " How to get rid of chronic stress»
Also, limit caffeine, which weakens your nerves. If you absolutely cannot do without a stimulant in the morning, it is better to drink tea with ginseng root, Chinese lemongrass, and lemon balm. Go to bed early, don’t stay up in bed in the morning, live according to a routine, observe moderation in everything and remember: happy and satisfied people don’t get sick!
P.S. More information on this topic in the article “ How to strengthen your immune system»
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We all know that a strong immune system is a guarantee of good health, the absence of colds and inflammatory diseases. The immune system of the body, like no other, is capable of increasing its efficiency. How to improve immunity and can it be done at home? Yes, this can be done and it does not require special medical knowledge and expensive drugs. Existing folk remedies to increase immunity will quite cope with this task.
Where to start? The right lifestyle has a huge impact on immunity. These words mean a complete cessation of alcohol and smoking, physical activity, and hardening with natural factors. It is very useful for strong immunity to walk barefoot, swim in ponds, take sun and air baths. What about nutrition? For good immunity, the diet should not contain a lot of sugar and caffeine (coffee, strong tea), fatty and spicy foods. One of the ways to increase immunity at home using folk remedies is to consume certain products that improve the body’s defense reactions.
Immunity boosting foods
So, let's start with food. Regularly eating immune-boosting foods is an easy, at-home way to help protect your body. Here is a far from complete list of foods that are beneficial for the immune system:
- cereals - oatmeal and barley porridge, buckwheat, millet, wholemeal bread;
- fermented milk products - all kinds of yoghurts, curdled milk, fermented baked milk, sour cream (without the addition of dyes and preservatives);
- protein foods - eggs, lean meat, legumes;
- seafood - fish, shrimp, mussels, crabs, seaweed;
- fruits - citrus fruits, apples, persimmons, apricots and peaches;
- vegetables and root vegetables - tomatoes, carrots, beets.
Berries, nuts, garlic and onions, black radish, turnips, horseradish and mustard are also useful for immunity.
These products saturate the body with vitamins and minerals, are a source of antioxidants and natural metabolism regulators. The key to strong immunity is quality nutrition!
Immunity-boosting foods can be eaten as an independent dish, and cooked from them a delicious mixture. Here are two examples of such a mixture that has a beneficial effect on human immunity.
- Twist walnuts, dried apricots, prunes, raisins, lemon in equal amounts in a meat grinder, add honey. Place in the refrigerator and eat 1 teaspoon on an empty stomach.
- Take three green apples, cut into cubes, add half a kilo of cranberries, a glass of chopped walnuts, and one and a half glasses of sugar. Place all ingredients in an enamel pan, add 500 ml of water and, stirring with a wooden spoon, bring to a boil. Take the resulting mixture two tablespoons a day to boost immunity.
It is good to carry out such vitamin courses, which nourish the body and increase immunity, several times a year, when the peak of the development of colds occurs.
Vitamin products for immunity
If there is always varied and healthy food on the table, then the body gets everything it needs from it, which has a good effect on the immune system. But sometimes, with a poorly designed diet, or with infectious diseases, or with disturbances in the functioning of internal organs, additional administration of some biologically active substances that stimulate the immune system is required. First of all, these include vitamins.
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is good for stimulating the immune system. It has been found that the introduction of increased doses of vitamin C into the body during infectious diseases promotes rapid recovery. Therefore, with the help of vitamin C you can quickly boost your immunity at home. How to take this supplement? You can eat foods rich in ascorbic acid:
- lemons and oranges;
- black currant;
- cranberries;
- white and cauliflower;
- tomatoes.
It is taken into account that vitamin C decomposes during heat treatment and long-term storage. But freezing reduces its content in the product slightly. If fresh vegetables and fruits are not a daily part of the diet, then to increase immunity at home, you can take pharmacy vitamin C based on the daily requirement of an adult from 1 to 4 grams.
Vitamin A, or retinol, also has a beneficial effect on immunity. Vitamin A is found in animal products - liver, eggs, butter. In addition, plants contain carotenoids - substances converted by the human body into vitamin A. It is easy to find out which vegetables and fruits are rich in carotene - it colors foods red and orange. Vitamin A is involved in the formation of immunity of the mucous membranes - the body's first barrier against bacteria and viruses.
Vitamin E complements the action of vitamins A and C, since it protects them from oxidation and neutralizes free radicals that appear in the body - substances that have a harmful effect on all stages of metabolism. Regular consumption of vitamin E has a beneficial effect on the immune system. It is found in vegetable fats - sunflower and olive oils, nuts, seeds.
Also, for good immunity, the presence of beneficial microflora in the intestines is important. You can restore it by eating fermented milk and fermented products, while minimizing the amount of sugar in your diet. There are also special preparations containing cultures of beneficial bacteria.
Preparing drinks to boost immunity
In addition to proper nutrition, folk remedies such as special hot and cold drinks made from plant products help strengthen immunity at home. Drinking them is not only healthy, but also pleasant. Such a mug of “tea for immunity” at the beginning of a new day can be a good alternative to a cup of coffee. Here's how to boost your immunity without drugs, using simple and tasty folk recipes.
Natural stimulants to strengthen the immune system
Nature has prepared everything we need, including products that strengthen the immune system. Here are five of the most effective natural stimulants that boost immunity:
- mumiyo;
These unique products have a number of wonderful properties, improve immunity and are available to everyone at home. Let's look at each of them in more detail.
Ginger
Folk recipes with ginger to boost immunity and treat colds have been known since ancient times. This spice has a warming effect, so preference is given to hot drinks made from it. The following tinctures and mixtures with ginger to boost immunity can be easily prepared at home.
Mumiyo
Mumiyo is a very powerful metabolism stimulant. Pregnant and lactating women, cancer patients, children under 12 years of age, and people who suffer from high blood pressure and bleeding disorders should not take preparations based on mumiyo. To increase immunity, mumiyo is taken in its pure form, diluted with water or mixed with other products.
- Mumiyo in an amount of 0.2 g - about the size of a grain of rice - is diluted in a spoonful of water and drunk in the morning one hour before meals
- Honey mumiyo improves immunity well. To do this, 5–8 grams of it are stirred into 500 grams of liquid honey. Take a tablespoon three times a day.
- Mix 2 tablespoons aloe juice and juice from two lemons, add 5 grams of mumiyo. After a day, the mixture will infuse, and it is drunk to boost immunity, a tablespoon three times a day.
- Mumiyo can be diluted not only in warm water, but also in milk or weak tea. You need to take this folk remedy to improve immunity in courses of 10–20 days, taking a break of 5–10 days between them.
Propolis
Propolis, or bee glue, is a complex biologically active substance with strong anti-inflammatory, antitoxic, bactericidal and stimulating effects. To improve immunity, propolis is recommended to be taken for colds and chronic respiratory tract infections. People who are allergic to honey should not take this remedy.
- Tincture: leave 2 tablespoons of propolis per 250 ml of vodka for 10 days. Filter, then take three times a day by adding 15 drops to milk.
- With colds, propolis with honey and milk perfectly helps to relieve inflammation and increase immunity. Add 15-20 drops of tincture to a glass of warm milk or stir half a teaspoon of grated propolis.
- Some folk healers claim that propolis loses some of its beneficial properties in alcohol tincture. Therefore, it is recommended to make aqueous solutions. Unlike alcohol preparations, such a solution can be stored in the refrigerator for only one week. To prepare a water infusion, take 3 parts of propolis and 10 parts of water, melt in a water bath and strain into a glass container. Take 15 drops, adding to milk or tea.
All propolis preparations are taken until complete recovery or drunk in courses of 7-10 days during periods of reduced immunity (winter, spring).
Aloe
Aloe is widely used in folk medicine, including to improve immunity. For the preparation of juice, leaves from a flower older than three years of age are used. Before preparing the medicine, it is recommended to keep fresh leaves in the refrigerator for 12 hours - this improves their properties. Here are a few aloe recipes for boosting immunity available at home.
All mixtures can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Garlic
Folk remedies with garlic are very effective when taken to increase immunity for colds and viral diseases. They are easy and affordable to make at home.
- Lemon with garlic. Grind one lemon and one head of garlic, add water and leave for 3-4 days in a dark place. Drink 1 tablespoon in the morning for a month.
- Garlic with honey. Grate the cloves, mix with honey 1:1. Take 1 teaspoon with water, 3 times a day before meals.
- Garlic oil. It can be used for dressing salads - 1 head per liter of oil. Grind garlic, pour oil and leave for 14 days.
Herbal Recipes to Strengthen Immunity
Improving immunity at home can be done with the help of herbs. Have an immunostimulatory effect:
- red brush;
- lungwort;
- spotted orchis;
- echinacea;
- Eleutherococcus;
- St. John's wort;
- lemongrass
To enhance the effect in order to increase immunity, they drink herbal preparations.
- St. John's wort, chamomile, immortelle, birch buds 100 gr. One tablespoon of collection per 500 ml of water, insist in a thermos for 12 hours. The infusion is drunk in small portions throughout the day. The course of treatment lasts 1 month.
- Ivan tea, mint, chestnut flowers, lemon balm. Take everything in equal proportions, pour one tablespoon of the mixture into one glass of boiling water. The resulting tea is drunk throughout the day.
To summarize, we note that increasing immunity at home using folk remedies is a completely feasible task. You can eat healthy and tasty foods, drink infusions or decoctions of herbs, use recipes based on ginger, mumiyo, and propolis. The main thing for good immunity is to adhere to the right lifestyle, be consistent and remember to greet every morning in a good mood.
Since 2002, at the initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO), World Immunity Day has been celebrated on March 1, the purpose of which is to remind people of the problems associated with various immune diseases, as well as with the preservation and strengthening of immunity.
Immunity is the body’s ability to resist; the immune system neutralizes foreign cells, various infections and viruses, and then destroys them.
Signs of immune failure
Frequent colds, prolonged fever, chronic fatigue syndrome, pain in the joints and muscles, sleep disturbances, frequent headaches, the appearance of skin rashes - all these are manifestations of disturbances in the functioning of the immune system and reasons to start strengthening the body's defenses and consult a doctor .The human immune system depends half on heredity, as it begins to form in the womb, and 50% on lifestyle. The three pillars on which human immunity rests are healthy sleep, physical activity and a balanced diet. Usually a person thinks about the role and possibilities of maintaining immunity only during a severe cold, while it itself is a consequence of immune deficiency.
Therefore, it is important for everyone to take care of health and strengthen the immune system, especially in the off-season on the eve of spring - this is the time when the body especially needs support. It is also important to pay attention to immunity for those who have suffered from acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections or influenza and who experience heavy physical exertion.
You can restore and maintain immunity with the help of special immune-strengthening agents, but there are many additional ways to strengthen the body.
Horseradish, shrimp and bay leaf
Nutrition is the key to protection against viruses and diseases and the most important factor in improving the body’s defenses. Nutrition should be as rational as possible in quantitative and qualitative terms. Your menu should contain proteins of animal and plant origin. Animal proteins are found in meat, fish, eggs and milk, and plant proteins are found in peas, beans, buckwheat and oatmeal. Beef liver and seafood - shrimp, mussels, squid - have a beneficial effect on the immune system.
Under no circumstances should you take immunostimulants on your own. To have the right to prescribe these drugs, the doctor must: first make sure that standard therapy has not brought the desired effect; study the patient’s immunogram; have long-term experience in the use of immunostimulants, based, among other things, on assessing the long-term effects of the prescribed medication.
Spices that support the immune system well include ginger, barberry, cloves, coriander, cinnamon, basil, cardamom, turmeric, bay leaf and horseradish.
Extracting vitamins
Vitamins and microelements are needed to strengthen the immune system. Their deficiency can be compensated with the help of multivitamin complexes, but in general it is better to obtain vitamins and microelements naturally.
Vitamins A can be obtained from carrots, grapes, greens - it is found in all red and orange fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, rose hips, cranberries, lingonberries, and cabbage, especially sauerkraut. Vitamin E - in sunflower, olive or corn oils. There are a lot of B vitamins in legumes, cereals, eggs, any greens and nuts.
Of the trace elements, zinc and selenium have a positive effect on immunity. Zinc is found in fish, meat, liver, nuts, beans and peas. Selenium should be "extracted" from fish, seafood, garlic.
Minerals - iron, copper, magnesium and zinc - are found in the liver, kidneys, heart, nuts, legumes and chocolate.
Dry red
Smoking and alcohol not only undermine, but kill the immune system. But if everything is simple and unambiguous with tobacco - you need to quit smoking and avoid tobacco smoke, then with alcohol - a different situation. Dry red wine is good for immunity, but the maximum allowable daily dose is 50-100 grams.
Getting used to the cold
It is necessary to prepare for any outbreak of morbidity in advance, strengthening, first of all, nonspecific protection. Everyone knows about such a method as hardening, but most are sure that hardening is getting used to the cold, for example, walking in the snow in shorts. But in fact, the essence of hardening is to train the mucous membranes to quickly respond to sudden changes in temperature.
The training can be quite simple - alternately pouring cold and hot water over your forearms - from the hand to the elbow. The temperature of cold water is +20 °C, hot water is +35 °C - this is the most tolerable difference of 15 °C.
Douching should be done daily - 5-7 minutes a day, in the morning or in the evening. This procedure is especially good for children.
Peace and only peace!
If you often suffer from colds and ARVI, try strengthening your body with Kalanchoe juice.
Strengthening the body will help hardening. The easiest way is to take a small foam mat, moisten it with a cold infusion of plants that enhance immunity, and stand on it barefoot.
Nutritional yeast has a good immunostimulating effect, which is especially recommended for children. They should be taken for a month (at least 50 grams per week), diluting a small part in boiled water without sugar.
Of the plant substances that have a pronounced immunostimulating effect, it is worth paying attention to infusions of Eleutherococcus, ginseng and Chinese lemongrass.
Drowsiness, bad mood and mild depression can appear even when you are doing well: both in health and in life. Where do they come from? Loss of strength occurs due to decreased immune system defenses. Insomnia and lack of sleep, overwork at work, a sedentary lifestyle and many other factors cause weak body protection.
Let's take a closer look at the reasons for decreased immunity, ways to increase it, including traditional ones, and talk about prevention for a healthy body.
Causes of decreased immunity. How and how to boost an adult’s immunity at home
To answer this question, let’s remember what immunity is. The protective function of the body, aimed at resisting both external threats (bacteria, viruses, microorganisms) and internal ones (infection of one’s own cells), is called the immune system, or immunity for short. In winter, a hardened body can easily cope with the root cause of colds and flu, since its immunity is quite strong. If hardening is not an empty phrase for you - you go to the pool, do exercises, douse yourself with water in the morning - you will get sick many times less.
What are the main reasons for the decrease in the body's defenses?
- Poor nutrition: living from snack to snack, frequent consumption of fast food, lack of vegetables and fruits in the diet will sooner or later weaken the immune system, because it does not receive the vitamins and minerals it needs.
- Increased loads or the downside - physical inactivity.
- which will result in neurosis and irritation. If you sleep less than seven hours a night, wake up and fall asleep at different times, you are more likely to become tired and depressed.
- Bad habits: smoking and alcohol irreversibly lead to decreased immunity.
- Bad ecology.
Now let's return to the question: how to strengthen immunity at home? To begin with, eliminate the possible causes of a decrease in the body's defenses: normalize nutrition, sleep, physical activity and you yourself will feel how your mood improves, strength and joy from life appear. If there is such an opportunity and desire, give up cigarettes and alcohol or reduce their use to a minimum.
The next step is special exercises. For example, daily exercises, yoga or jogging will make you more enduring, you will wake up faster. Add to this list dousing with water, swimming or a cold shower - the body will begin to harden and resist the external effects of viruses and microbes of colds. The main thing, as in any business, is to know the measure, since excesses can negatively affect the general condition.
If there are no contraindications to high temperatures, feel free to go to the bathhouse! The complex of bath procedures improves blood circulation, reduces the risk of infectious diseases, accelerates the growth of immunoglobulins and removes toxins from the body. It’s not for nothing that the bathhouse is still popular today.
Drink more than a liter of clean water daily. Not tea, coffee or juice, but pure water regulates metabolism and removes its products from the body.
The first thing you should pay attention to is a sudden change in the body and well-being. If you begin to notice that you get tired earlier than usual or become irritable more often, feel the first signs of a cold or symptoms, immediately purchase a vitamin complex and analyze your sleep and diet. If you find that something is missing in your food or that you are sleeping less than seven hours a night, correct it as soon as possible.
Frequent use of antibiotics, bad heredity, stress and environmental pollution also weaken the body and negatively affect the immune system.
One of the folk remedies for immunity is ginger root. Grated ginger is mixed with honey, lemon juice, dried apricots and eaten several spoons a day.
If we turn to seasonings, we can highlight cinnamon, turmeric, bay leaf and pepper. They will not only add taste to your dish, but will also become a high-quality preventive measure for maintaining immunity.
We must not forget about garlic and onions, which can put a person on his feet in a short time. Their phytoncides and essential oils block the entry of viruses and microbes into the nasopharynx, thus disinfecting the body.
Aloe juice contains a number of vitamins B, C, E and amino acids that the body needs for good metabolism. It is better to mix the juice with honey in a 50/50 ratio, because otherwise it will be very bitter. Unfortunately, all the beneficial substances in it last only a day, so it is better to prepare it before use.
To block one of the causes of decreased immunity - stress - you can use soothing decoctions. They do not have an immunostimulating effect, but they will help you calm down and look at the situation with a lighter head.
After consulting with a doctor, you can start using medicinal herbs: Echinacea purpurea, ginseng, dandelion, licorice, St. John's wort and others. Herbs improve memory, blood circulation, increase performance, tone and calm. It is worth consulting because many of the herbs contain toxins and the opposite effect of use is possible.
Increasing immunity with folk remedies is good at the prevention stage. At this same stage, eating certain foods will be very beneficial for overall health. Let's figure out which of them should be kept on your desk every day.
Honey
No wonder it is so popular during winter illnesses. Honey contains a number of vitamins A, B, C, E, K and folic acid. But its main advantage is the content of flavonoids - substances that affect the activity of enzymes in the body.
It is only important to remember that honey should be natural and not artificial. It is worth approaching its purchase carefully, purchase only in trusted places.
Nuts
Omega-3 fatty acids, which, alas, are not produced by the body, but are necessary for its functioning, are found in walnuts or their mixtures. And plant proteins are similar to the proteins in meat. Only the body does not become polluted, but, on the contrary, removes old toxins. Useful minerals - potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus - will become the backbone of a healthy immune system with daily consumption of nuts. At the same time, they clean blood vessels from plaques, resist heart disease, reduce the risk of stroke and atherosclerosis, and generally taste good.
Dairy
To improve immunity, it is better to use fermented baked milk, kefir or acidophilus. The presence of probiotics in them improves the digestion process and helps to remove harmful substances from the body. It is better to consume dairy products either in the evening or early in the morning on an empty stomach.
Berries: chokeberry, raisins, grapes
Improving the condition of the endocrine system, the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, reducing cholesterol and enriching the body with a large number of vitamins and microelements - these are the merits of chokeberry. It can be consumed in the form of berries, in the form of leaves, and in the form of tinctures.
Raisins have a positive effect on the treatment of cough, runny nose and bronchitis. The recommended consumption rate is 200 grams per day, the minimum is 50 grams. To improve the functioning of the heart and lungs, soak a handful of raisins in cold water, leave overnight and drink immediately after waking up.
Grapes reduce the risk of blood clots, promote good functioning of the cardiovascular system, increase hemoglobin levels, purify the blood and improve liver function.
You can purchase all of the above at any grocery store, which makes this method of prevention accessible and quick.
In cases where it is not possible to support the immune system with folk remedies or products, if it is necessary to influence the immune system quickly, they resort to the help of pharmacology. What drugs should you take to boost your immunity?
- Infusions of medicinal herbs- the first thing you should pay attention to. They mobilize T-lymphocytes, promote the rapid destruction of harmful microorganisms, are inexpensive and available at your nearest pharmacy.
- Bacterial enzymes- the use of these drugs creates a vaccine effect - T- and B-lymphocytes, IgA immunoglobulins are activated. The use of these drugs increases the effectiveness and reduces the duration of complex treatment, reducing the need to use antibiotics.
- Medicines that enhance immunity.
- Biostimulants- products of biological origin aimed at increasing immune resistance.
- Hormonal drugs.
To strengthen your immune system, you need to get the following vitamins:
- Vitamin A or retinol. One of the most important vitamins - promotes the normal functioning of the visual organs, circulatory and cardiovascular systems. Has a beneficial effect on the general state of the immune system.
- Ascorbic acid or vitamin C. Helps destroy harmful microorganisms, has a beneficial effect on metabolism, and removes harmful substances.
- Vitamin B. Plays an important role in biochemical processes, increases resistance to the penetration of foreign bodies. It is better to take this group of vitamins either after undergoing operations or in cases of frequent stress.
- Vitamin E. Is involved in the production of special antibodies to resist the penetration of viruses.
- Vitamin D. Takes care of bone growth and strength. It is also produced by the skin when exposed to sunlight. Those who are unlucky with the number of sunny days a year can eat fish, meat, cottage cheese, cheese and eggs to replenish this vitamin.
Immunity is the body's natural defense against genetically foreign objects. A person lives in a hostile environment and often does not even suspect it. Harmful fungi, bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms are teeming around, which are not averse to cozying up in the human body. But immunity is the guardian of health. This concept means a whole army of cells and symbionts, created by wise nature in the process of evolution to protect the body from uninvited guests.
No matter how strong the army is, it needs help. For well-coordinated and coordinated activities, timely delivery of shells, weapons and food is necessary. For immunity, these are vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids and other useful substances that can not only satisfy hunger, but also provide effective support for the immune shield.
Foes of health
Modern life is comfortable in a certain sense, but the reverse side of progress is a lot of factors that have a negative impact on the human body:
- bad ecology;
- stress;
- unbalanced diet;
- lack of physical activity;
- mutation of pathogens;
- bad habits (tobacco smoking, alcohol abuse);
- lack of sleep, etc.
A person with a weakened immune system is often sick or sick, constantly tired, loses visual appeal (skin becomes gray or flaky, hair and nails become dull and brittle), sleeps poorly, and is often irritable or tends to become depressed and tearful.
The situation can be improved by changing your eating habits. Products for immunity will deliver useful substances to every cell of the body, increase defenses.
Boosting immunity through food
A man is what he eats. A wide selection of products allows you to provide your body with everything you need.
What foods strengthen your immune system?
Chamomile is a champion for strengthening the immune system. The modest flower has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, a sedative effect, and improves sleep quality.
Green tea, decoctions of rose hips, hawthorn, and herbal infusions are good for improving immune status. In order to improve your health, you must adhere to certain rules. Decoctions and infusions that strengthen the immune system are drunk for 3 weeks in a row, then take a week's break and change the herb (or collection).
A collection of Tibetan monks will help cleanse the body of toxins and increase immunity: chamomile, St. John's wort, birch buds, coltsfoot are taken in equal proportions and mixed. Brew like tea, a teaspoon in ½ glass of water. Drink 2 times a day: in the morning 20 minutes before breakfast and in the evening, before bed.
Doctors recommend not to forget about proper nutrition. For example, porridge for breakfast starts the gastrointestinal tract. Pearl barley porridge is a storehouse of vitamins and microelements, rich in amino acids, has an antiviral effect, and relieves allergies. Contains fiber, which helps cleanse the body of toxins. The cereal contains: K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Ni, Co, Sr, Cr, Iodum, Br, P, as well as vitamins A, D, E, PP and group B.
Buckwheat, thanks to the beneficial substances it contains, relieves the negative effects of distress on the body, improves the quality of sleep, and significantly improves the condition of the skin and hair.
Rice porridge made from unpolished grains retains all the substances beneficial to the body.
Oatmeal improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, and the health of the entire body depends on the full and uninterrupted functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
It is especially important to teach your child to eat porridge every day. Cereals rich in vitamins and microelements lay the foundation for the baby’s health.
To boost immunity, there should always be fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables on the table. With the onset of cold weather, cranberries come to the fore. You can boost your immunity by eating a tablespoon of cranberries per day. If desired, you can crush the berries with sugar or prepare a fruit drink. The beneficial properties of cranberries remain unchanged.
Vitamins, minerals, microelements - building materials for immunity
Proteins are the building blocks of the body, a source of amino acids. Thanks to products such as fish (river and sea), meat (pork, beef, lamb, etc.), poultry, eggs, immunoglobulins are produced. These compounds are able to recognize foreign invasion and effectively protect the body from dangerous microorganisms.
Zinc. To improve immunity, it is necessary to select foods rich in zinc. Without this essential mineral, the reproduction of thymus hormones is impossible. The thymus gland (thymus) is one of the organs of the immune system that participates in the formation of T-lymphocytes - immune cells that recognize and destroy foreign agents at the cost of their own lives.
The thymus gland is formed in childhood and its function declines with age. Another name for the thymus gland is thymus, which, translated from ancient Greek, means “life force.” Even in ancient times, people realized the importance of this organ for human health and life.
Immunity in young children is innate. Nature itself bestows protection on babies. As you grow, you should consume the following foods to introduce zinc into your body:
- sea fish;
- liver and meat;
- egg yolks;
- cereals;
- nuts and seeds;
- mushrooms, cheese, legumes.
Selenium promotes the synthesis of antibodies that successfully suppress the activity of viruses and maintains optimal levels of zinc in the body. Selenium is found in seafood, seeds and grains, and brewer's yeast.
Iodine is an essential substance for the production of immune defense hormones and is essential for the effective functioning of the thyroid gland. Contained in:
- seafood;
- asparagus;
- seaweed;
- carrots;
- milk;
- eggs, etc.
Lacto- and bifidobacteria form an optimal microclimate in the gastrointestinal tract, promoting the active production of protective cells, preventing rotting processes, producing amino acids, and suppressing the activity of microbes. Beneficial bacteria are found in “live” fermented milk products, sourdough, salted cabbage, pickled apples, and kvass.
Fiber removes harmful substances from the body. Fiber-rich cereals, citrus fruits, bran, cereals, nuts and seeds are excellent sorbents.
Phytoncides are indispensable products for the immune system. Volatile substances are contained in garlic and onions, radish, horseradish, and bird cherry. They effectively attack fungi and bacteria, and activate restoration processes in tissues.
Omega-3 acids stop inflammatory processes and strengthen the immune system. Products for the immune system:
- salmon;
- tuna;
- trout;
- seafood;
- olive oil.
What foods boost immunity in adults and children? Rich in vitamins. One of the most important vitamins for protecting the body is vitamin A. It guards the skin and mucous membranes, preventing them from drying out and cracking. Provitamin A (carotene) is one of the most powerful antioxidants responsible for protecting the immune system from free radical attacks.
Found in many red and orange fruits and vegetables, green vegetables and a number of animal products. Carotene is absorbed in the body only in combination with fats.
Vitamin E prevents the development of inflammation and has antioxidant properties.
Vitamins A and E play a huge role during pregnancy. Products to enhance immunity in women ensure the health of the gestating fetus. The most important foods for the immune system of mother and child:
- unrefined vegetable oils;
- carrot;
- greenery;
- liver;
- avocado;
- nuts;
- seeds, etc.
Vitamin C is the most popular of all vitamins. Fruits rich in vitamin C boost immunity:
- oranges, tangerines and other citrus fruits;
- kiwi;
- black currant;
- rose hip;
- sea buckthorn;
- cranberry;
- persimmon, etc.
Vitamin C promotes the production of interferons, reliably protecting the body from colds and hypothermia, effectively repelling the attack of free radicals, and strengthening blood vessels.
In addition to fruits, vitamin C is found in cabbage of all types and methods of preparation, tomatoes, bell peppers, cereals and herbs.
Vitamin B. People vitally need B vitamins. Folic acid, riboflavin and other vitamins ensure the production of cells that prevent the proliferation of microbes during illness. Helps to quickly recover from stress and illness.
Products with vitamin B that improve immunity:
- legumes;
- nuts and seeds;
- cereals;
- cereals;
- Rye bread;
- greenery, etc.
What other foods boost immunity in adults?
Seasonings: cinnamon, ginger, turmeric have a beneficial effect on the immune system. By adding them to food, you can prevent many diseases.
Simple ways to strengthen your immune system
In order to restore immunity after an illness or to maintain immune status, it is not at all necessary to take pills. You can correct the lack of nutrients with proper nutrition, moderate physical activity and hardening procedures.
The best products for maintaining and restoring immunity are dried fruits and honey. A popular recipe for a mixture to strengthen the immune system:
Grind raisins, dried apricots, figs, prunes, nuts, lemon and mix with honey. Keep refrigerated. Take 1 tsp. on an empty stomach.
Particular attention to nutrition issues should be paid to pregnant women. While expecting a baby, products to boost immunity in women should be selected with special care. The health of the unborn child depends on proper nutrition.
